In late 2023, in the Black Country, Euan Woodman and Thomas Rhodes reunited over coffee. What followed was a series of events that led to the formation of ‘GANS,’ which means ‘goose’ in Dutch. The name was inspired by a series of paintings Euan created, featuring hedonistic animals dressed as people.
Initially starting as a punk drum and bass duo, the pair always felt they were capable of more. Nevertheless, they began performing original singles ‘BUSINESS’ and ‘WHAT YOU MEAN’ live in November 2023, driven by their growing hunger and insatiability. Having been involved in various musical projects in the past, their passion for creativity and growth led them to renowned producer Ross Orton. Under his guidance, they began to tap into their true potential.
Interpreting the crank-wave revolution in their unique, mechanical way, the duo spent hours creating a massive synth rig with fellow creative Tom Rushton, aiming to ‘sound as big as possible.’ Their track ‘IN TIME’ marked the beginning of mirroring their current lives in their music. It reflected the essence of GANS, drawing inspiration from their experiences in Birmingham. Sonically, they transformed their ‘worst nightmares, dreams, and memories’ by running them through synthesisers, gradually bringing their debut LP to life.
Their debut album, ‘GOOD FOR THE SOUL,’ was released in September of this year and serves as a direct reflection of their lives. With the ethos that ‘if people can relate to their own lives, then perfect; if not, that’s perfect too,’ the album resonated with many. Self-described as ‘chaos and order perfectly balanced,’ they boldly convey their message to a global audience, refusing to hold back.
The synth rig was not only crucial for creating ‘GOOD FOR THE SOUL’ but also for maintaining their immersive sound in a completely ‘analogue’ and ‘100% live’ setting, despite being just the two of them. Attending one of their shows is a privilege; the band’s gripping fervour creates a thrilling atmosphere, with their electronic sound pulsating through the crowd, culminating in chaotic mosh pits and a growing audience.
Taking the audience through the highlights of their album, the crowd becomes an integral part of the experience. Recently, they have concluded their shows with a new track titled ‘THIS PRODUCT DUB,’ a bold critique of consumerism. Woodman, microphone in hand, engages the crowd by doing shoulder stands while passionately delivering their mantra. Even when Woodman steps away from his drums, the duo still sounds immense, thanks to Rhodes’ bass expertise and their unwavering commitment to sharing their message.
Their visceral lyricism, enthusiastic musicality, and spiritual dedication to their craft make each show a personal experience. They take time to thank their sound tech, whom they refer to as a ‘brother,’ and share anecdotes about their sonic inspirations, allowing the audience to get to know them better.
For Woodman and Rhodes, GANS is not just a hobby; it’s an essential outlet, a spiritual release, a devout religion, and undeniably good for their souls.
The post Gans, Live in Bristol: A Visceral Display of Crank-Wave appeared first on Indie is not a genre.